I’m traveling for work today and tomorrow, visiting a customer site with a colleague. We drove 4 hours to a small town and are staying in a rather run-down hotel. My room is across from the elevator and next to the ice maker, and I can’t tell which is making the loudest sound. The bathtub faucet has a constant leak I couldn’t turn off. There are 2 phones in the room with red message lights blinking. I can’t turn it off either. And the blue lights from the microwave are directly across from the bed. Sleeping is going to be a challenge for me, who likes things dark and quiet. But I’m thankful that the drive wasn’t difficult and our dinner was pretty good and I’ve had some alone time to practice my French.

It was a busy day bringing stuff to my booth, mowing the lawn, and cleaning my car. But we started the day getting apple cider donuts from the Apple orchard, which is out in the country. I’m grateful for the slow turn of summer into fall as seen in the fields.

Another great Fall day for a flea market! Patrick and I went together, but when he got tired, I met up with a friend and helped her spend her money. Haha. I’m thankful for a fun day and then a quiet evening of relaxing and resting my sore feet.

I’m thankful for a beautiful day, some early Halloween decorations, and the impending weekend. And laughter after another a long workday.

I’m going to Antibes, France for work next month and decided to take a few extra days afterwards to visit Paris. Besides going to Europe for the first time, I’m excited to meet some of my European colleagues and see how their worksite is similar, and different, to mine.

Patrick was thinking of joining me but decided it’s not an ideal time of the semester for him. He was also concerned that his sense of taste and smell wouldn’t return by then. Instead he offered to pay for the airline tickets for my kids to join me. How sweet is that?

I’m very thankful for Patrick’s generosity and for the opportunity for a girl’s trip to Paris. My kids and I haven’t taken too many vacations together, let alone one out of the country, so it will be really special.

I’m thankful today for dinner outside, live music, seeing Ann, getting through my workday, new furniture, and Patrick.

I’m thankful today for freedom.